The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations to change the way they host events and activities. However, those changes didn’t stop loyal Miles for Moffitt participants from lacing up their shoes and moving for what matters. Even without the race course in downtown Tampa, more than 4,100 supporters from 44 states tuned in for our 15th annual Miles for Moffitt virtual event on Oct. 24.

The live send-off, hosted by 10 Tampa Bay’s Allison Kropff and Moffitt Cancer Center’s Joshua Rivera, provided participants with the Miles for Moffitt experience, but in the comfort and safety of their own neighborhood.

During the patient testimonial segment, viewers met Orrin Rucker and Cassie Wilson, a grandfather and granddaughter whose bond deepened when they both battled cancer. As a way to thank Moffitt for saving Rucker’s life and supporting Wilson, they turned Miles for Moffitt into a family tradition.

Younger supporters were able to participate in the traditional Kids Dash, as Raymond from the Tampa Bay Rays challenged them to a quick warm-up and dance battle session.

Viewers also learned about the groundbreaking research that Miles for Moffitt funds each year.

Even without an in-person event, the community still showed support by raising more than $950,000 for cancer research.

"We are so grateful for the tremendous support we've received for our first virtual Miles for Moffitt event,” said Maria Muller, president of the Moffitt Foundation. “While 2020 has been a challenging year, we are proud of our participants and their support of Moffitt and our research.”

While the virtual event has come and gone, the movement is not over. Miles for Moffitt fundraising will continue through Jan. 31, 2021.

If you didn’t get a chance to tune in on race day, you can watch the broadcast below.